Louisiana Parents Accused Of Leaving 4 Year Old After THC Gummy To Attend LSU Game

SCOTT, La. — Two Louisiana parents are facing multiple criminal charges after police say they knew their 4 year old child had consumed a THC gummy but chose to leave the child with another juvenile while they traveled to Baton Rouge to attend an LSU football game.

Mary Cormier, 36, and David Butt, 34, were arrested following an investigation by the Scott Police Department in Lafayette Parish.

Police say the incident came to their attention on September 13, when officers learned that a 4 year old child had ingested a gummy containing THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

Investigators allege Cormier and Butt knew the child had consumed the THC product. Instead of seeking medical treatment, police say they left the 4 year old in the care of another juvenile and traveled to Baton Rouge for LSU’s football game against Louisiana Tech.

Authorities say the parents were gone for approximately eight hours.

When they returned, police say they found the 4 year old breathing but unresponsive.

The child was taken to an area hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. The most recent information released by authorities indicated the child remained hospitalized in the ICU.

Police have not publicly released additional information about the child’s current condition.

Both Parents Face Multiple Charges

Cormier and Butt were arrested on several charges following the investigation.

Each faces one count of second degree cruelty to juveniles, one count of child desertion and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.

Both were taken into custody and have since been released after posting bond.

The contributing to the delinquency charges indicate other juveniles were involved in the circumstances surrounding the case, but authorities have released few details about them. Police have confirmed that another juvenile was left supervising the 4 year old but have not publicly disclosed that juvenile’s age.

Authorities also have not said how the 4 year old obtained the THC gummy, where the product came from, how much THC it contained or how much the child consumed.

Those unanswered questions could become important as the criminal case moves forward.

Why THC Edibles Can Be Dangerous For Young Children

The incident also highlights a growing concern involving accidental cannabis ingestion among young children.

Unlike inhaled cannabis, edible cannabis products can take anywhere from approximately 30 minutes to two hours before their intoxicating effects are fully felt. Those effects can also last longer than expected.

THC concentrations in edible products can vary considerably, making the effects difficult to predict.

Young children are particularly vulnerable because of their smaller body size and weight. Children who accidentally consume cannabis products can become severely ill and are more likely than older children to require hospitalization following an ingestion.

Symptoms can include extreme sleepiness, difficulty walking or sitting upright, vomiting and other changes in behavior or responsiveness. More serious cases can involve difficulty breathing and loss of responsiveness.

Cannabis gummies can also create a particular risk for children because they can resemble ordinary candy or snacks.

Health authorities recommend keeping all cannabis products locked in child resistant containers and completely out of the sight and reach of children.

An Eight Hour Timeline At The Center Of The Case

The timeline described by investigators is likely to become one of the central issues in the case.

Police allege the parents were already aware that the 4 year old had consumed the THC gummy before leaving for Baton Rouge.

Rather than seeking medical attention at that point, investigators say the child was left with another juvenile while the couple attended the LSU game.

Approximately eight hours passed before the parents returned and found the child breathing but unresponsive, according to authorities.

The child was then taken for emergency medical treatment and ultimately admitted to intensive care.

Police have not publicly said what symptoms, if any, the child was displaying before the parents left or exactly when the THC gummy was consumed.

They also have not disclosed whether investigators believe anyone intentionally gave the product to the child.

Case Draws Attention Across Louisiana

The circumstances surrounding the arrests have attracted widespread attention across Louisiana, particularly because investigators allege the parents knew about the THC ingestion before leaving for the football game.

LSU hosted Louisiana Tech at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on September 12.

Scott is located west of Lafayette, making the trip to Tiger Stadium a significant drive in addition to the time spent attending the game.

The following day, September 13, Scott Police became involved in the investigation.

As the case moves forward, additional information could emerge regarding how the child obtained the THC product, the ages and roles of the other juveniles involved, the child’s medical condition and what investigators believe occurred before the parents left for Baton Rouge.

For now, the criminal charges are allegations.

Cormier and Butt are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The investigation remains ongoing.